NIGER: FOREIGN MINISTER CONVOKES DIPLOMATIC CORPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L NIAMEY 000924

C O R R E C T E D COPY (PASS LINE DELETED)

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF AND AF/W; PLS PASS TO USAID/AFR/W
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2019
TAGS: PTER ASEC AMGT CASC NG
SUBJECT: NIGER: FOREIGN MINISTER CONVOKES DIPLOMATIC CORPS
TO SECURITY MEETING

REF: NIAMEY 898

Classified By: Ambassador Bernadette M. Allen, Reason: 1.4 d


1. (SBU) Summary. On Wednesday, November 18, Government of
Niger (GON) Foreign Minister (FM) Mindaoudou convoked the
diplomatic corps to a meeting to discuss security concerns.
She reported on the attempted kidnapping in Tahoua (reftel),
indicated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) will
circulate a diplomatic note requesting that all missions
report the travels of all personnel and, inquired how the
partners may assist the GON in the fight against terrorism in
the region. End summary.


2. (C) In a meeting exclusively for the diplomatic corps
chiefs of mission and senior representatives for
international organizations, the FM reported on the attempted
kidnapping that occurred in Tahoua. (Note. The first
reports of the security incident began to appear in local
newspapers in Niamey on November 17. End note.) The FM
added that the GON believes that a couple of the individuals
who attempted the kidnapping in Tahoua are the same ones who
abducted two former Canadian diplomats eleven months ago
(December 2008) some 45 miles from Niamey. She noted that
GON security services arrested a Mauritanian a few weeks ago
who is believed to have been involved in the attack on the
French in Nouakchott. She stated the individual, for whom
she couldn't recall the name, is being held by security
authorities in Niamey and that the Government of Mauritania
has requested extradition.


3. (SBU) The FM insisted that each and every time partners
plan to travel outside the capital that the itinerary be
provided to the MFA, so that the Nigerien authorities can
take appropriate measures. She stated that two weeks ago
another group attempted to abduct two Chinese nationals
working in Agadem, but were unsuccessful. She made reference
to past security summits between Mali, Algeria, Libya and
Niger, and emphasized that the regional partners do as much
as they can with the little means they have at their
disposition to combat drug trafficking, crime and terrorism.


4. (SBU) Diplomatic corp members' questions centered around
how the GON anticipated protecting foreigners working in
non-governmental organizations, foreign businesses in the
regions or contractors working on roads and other
infrastructure projects. The FM replied that NGOs should
inform the regional authorities of their travel itineraries.
When pressed on who was the right "authority" to notify, she
suggested the mayors or prefet. For persons implanted in the
regions and known to local authorities, such as road
construction engineers, U.S. Peace Corps and Japanese (JICA)
volunteers, she stated they should inform the prefet when
they are traveling to Niamey or to other regions. When asked
whether we should discourage business travelers and tourists
from coming to Niger, the FM said she saw no need to
discourage tourism, that we should inform such persons to
remain vigilant and report travel plans to local authorities.


5. (SBU) In closing the meeting, the FM reiterated the GON
need for assistance from partners to combat drug trafficking,
banditry and terrorism. She expressed GON appreciation for
and more desire for the partner's cooperation and
collaboration on security-related matters.
ALLEN